Chemistry major Marren Roy ’24 says UHart gave her a great deal of hands-on experience with lab instruments and techniques commonly used in the field. “The chemistry program helped me gradually build my independence in the lab such that I now feel confident entering a professional research lab after graduation,” she says.
Marren is set to attend UConn graduate school this fall to study organic chemistry where she will be pursuing research on the manipulation of naturally occurring chemicals for new medicines. “I hope to investigate the chemical profiles of several plant and fungal species in pursuit of useful therapeutic compounds.”
Marren says she initially went into chemistry to work in the nuclear power field, particularly on the control of hazardous radioactive waste from the power plants. Although this area still interests her, Marren is now focused on pharmaceutical development.
During her time at UHart, Marren did undergraduate research for three semesters and says the incredible chemistry professors have consistently inspired and encouraged her to be ambitious. “I would cite participating in undergraduate chemical research with Dr. Elizabeth Rastede as the reason I hope to pursue my own research,” Marren says. “As part of this experience, I got to synthesize biologically relevant derivatives of naturally occurring compounds and was captivated by the process.”
Marren says her favorite thing about UHart is the faculty, and not just her chemistry professors—but those in mathematics, physics, literature, psychology, and more. “My professors were important connections because they helped me tremendously in building my resume and applying to graduate school,” she says.
Looking back, Marren says her first semester chemistry class with Professor Laura Pence was something she looked forward to every week. “I had been quite nervous about attending college, but I always felt at home in that class. Dr. Pence did not just teach her students but fostered a community of acceptance and mutual respect among them.” In her final semester, she was in a very small chemistry class of just two other students, and she was able to work closely with them and Professor Pence. “In both cases, having direct access to someone with so much knowledge allowed me to get plenty of personal instruction on lab techniques.”
Marren Roy '24, College of Arts and SciencesThe chemistry program helped me gradually build my independence in the lab such that I now feel confident entering a professional research lab after graduation.